October 2026: Shadow Work Will Help You Get Honest

October is a significant astrological month in how it invites us to move deeper and be honest with ourselves, in life and in love, even when it’s painful to do so. It is in confronting some of our own personal, difficult truths that we welcome in a spirit of transformation, being able to change things for the better.

The main reasons for this are Venus and Mercury, which are both going retrograde in the sign of Scorpio. Mercury appears to travel backward in the sky about 3, sometimes 4, times a year, for up to 3–4 weeks at a time. 2026 has been defined by these retrogrades occurring in water signs. But Venus’ retrogrades are rarer, usually occurring about every year and a half, lasting some 6 weeks per occurrence.

Venus Goes Retrograde

Venus will go retrograde on October 3 in the sign of Scorpio, before retrograding into the sign of Libra, where it will go direct on November 14. A key characteristic of the retrograde this month will be the moment that Venus squares Pluto on October 3. The events for us personally in love at this time are likely to reflect what was happening for us around September 15, which might come around again for deeper consideration and challenging insights, especially in matters of wealth, resources, authenticity in love, and the deeper beauty that can only be found beyond the superficial. That was when Venus was in its shadow phase, where the retrograde is slowly walking over again. Once Venus goes direct, it will be on December 9 that Venus will repeat this square for the 3rd and final time as part of this retrograde season. That’s when matters that we are so sure of now reveal their nuances and seem a lot clearer.

Venus-Pluto squares are painful, but they reveal deeper truths and the messiness we often avoid. This is more than confronting the shadow. It’s acknowledging the ways in which we might have betrayed ourselves or been betrayed. For some, this realization will be painful. For others, the insights will be deeply meaningful and validating. With the retrograde spanning late Libra and early Scorpio, we are encouraged to bridge together principles of sharing and getting along to more meaningful relationships. Scorpio wants to know another deeply, and be well known, and is willing to dive to messy depths to get there. Libra wants peace and harmony, and is willing to ignore the messy stuff, until it doesn’t have a choice but to deal with it or leave the scene.

New Moon in Libra

This month’s new moon in Libra happens at 17°21′ on October 10, 2026, and is characterized by a wide opposition to Saturn. While new moons do bring new beginnings, the Saturn opposition suggests that we feel we must begin again, especially in a key alliance in our lives. A reality check about what another person is showing you ultimately invites a turning-point moment that might feel all-or-nothing in a partnership. However, Venus is retrograde, which might mean that breakups, in business or love, might not stay broken up.

Pluto Stations Direct

Shortly after the new moon, Pluto stations and turns direct at 3° Aquarius 04′, which suggests all the feels are on the surface, and all the truth is staring at us now. Collectively, we might find the revealing of secrets related to the functioning of groups, cults, or larger collectives and their actions, fueling those who are inspired by conspiracy theories in the process.

Mercury Goes Retrograde

Mercury will turn retrograde on October 24, and stay retrograde until November 14, going direct the same day that Venus does. The key characteristic of this Mercury retrograde will include ongoing squares to Mars, the first of which happens on October 2, just as Mercury moves into its shadow. The 2nd square of Mercury and Mars occurs on October 30, while the final square happens with Mercury direct and after it leaves the retrograde zone, on December 9. Communication that appears especially passionate, or confrontational, is part of the perception. But perception under Mercury retrograde is often more rooted in what is within us, and all we carry into a moment, rather than what might be taking place now. Care is always advised around contracts and negotiations with a Mercury retrograde, but this retrograde season suggests that considerations could be especially contentious. Seek truth, even when it’s hard, and schedule negotiations away from these key dates. Larger themes for the collective this Mercury retrograde might bring conflicting information around matters of investments, hedge funds, and the ways in which money moves are used to manipulate and gain power. Notable stories of unhealthy power dynamics might find their way into the media now, as Mercury speaks to what we are collectively talking about.

Full Moon in Taurus

October 26, 2026, brings the full moon in Taurus at 2°45′, which is square Pluto, opposite a retrograde Venus at 29° Libra, conjunct Chiron at 28° Aries. This is the other side of resourcefulness. The money matters of Taurus are more about knowing that we can provide for ourselves and to those for whom we are responsible. The pressure is going to be for some to acquire, to purchase, and to own real things, but is it a want or a need? That might be a more difficult distinction to find at this time.

The overall trend now is toward deeper truth, honesty, and asking ourselves if we truly believe we are well provided for by a generous universe. Many of the moments that prompt soul-searching come through our key partnerships and relationships, though we might find the learning and the truth are all our own.